January 2004

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Modern cinematographic lenses can house up to 25 elements and are heavily dependent on computers. The author describes a number of these lenses using movie examples to show their purpose, versatility and limitations.

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At least 25 percent of the total electric power delivered to homes, businesses and factories throughout the world is used for lighting. Growth in demand is expected to outpace the adoption of more energy efficient lighting systems unless a major scientific breakthrough can be achieved.

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Polar astronomers working with submillimeter telescopes are measuring the cosmic microwave background radiation left over from the Big Bang, mapping our galaxy in the spectral line of atomic carbon and measuring polarized submillimeter radiation to map magnetic fields in our galaxy.

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High speed fluorescence microscopy provides a way to observe chemical instabilities and biochemical reactions in living cells and tissues. Besides providing insight into the mechanisms that govern biological processes, it may lead to the identification of new drugs and diagnostic tools.

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Near-infrared spectroscopy offers a noninvasive, portable means to image brain function. Researchers have begun to explore its potential for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, schizophrenia and other disorders.